HAREFIELD Tenants' and Residents'Association is stepping up a campaign to save local wood-land from what it claims is an overzealous developer.

Members have been stirred into action following complaints about a homeowner in Hill End Road, Harefield who is in the process of extending their property to include garages and a gym.

People who live in Hill End Road were dismayed to see wood-land being chopped down, which they claim is home to protected species.

Pauline Crawley, chairwoman of Harefield Tenants' and Residents' Association, said: "It has changed the rural look of the road.

"What is going on is so controversial and I have had numerous phone calls about it, which began when the owner started chopping down the trees.

"A ditch that drains the road has also been filled, so it is a flooding risk waiting to happen. The road is in a vulnerable position, and is next to the nursing home.

"It seems that Green Belt policy has not been taken account of; there should have been a restriction. The development is totally out of keeping with the area. We have spoken with our councillors, who have said they are on the case."

A planning notice for Kylemore House, formerly Tanrey House, in Hill End Road, is currently sitting with Hillingdon Council, and the owner is operating under a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC).

An LDC is a statutory document confirming that the use, operation or activity named in it is lawful for planning control purposes. Once granted, as the development at Kylemore House has been, the certificate will remain valid for the use or development described in it, on the land it describes.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "They completely demolished the woods, which were home to slow worms, which are protected species.

"Unless you come down to this part of the road you may not be aware what is happening.

"People are very upset about the destruction of this small wood and want the council to do something about its reinstatement."

Andrew Malin, deputy director of planning and community services, said: "The council was made aware of the situation and has advised the developer about the need to avoid damage to the protected woodland.

"Even though there have been no breaches of planning control at this site, officers and tree specialists are monitoring developments and will take action as necessary."